VSS Launches Its All-New Case Studies Library

Kate Thompson June 4, 2013

Here at VSS, we've decided to add a new, client-focused feature to our recently refreshed website, which will give users access to case studies relevant to the industry in which they operate. We believe that this underlines our commitment to delivering a quality service.

We're proud to say that we have an impressive 25 years worth of industry experience, and we're keen to demonstrate to new and existing clients alike the flexibility of the service we provide. The new case study library will be a useful reference guide for those in need of examples of best practice in a variety of industry-specific situations, from kitchen extraction fires to potential airborne threats carried through contaminated ductwork.

Each study will help to educate those responsible for the installation or routine maintenance of a ductwork system, in the requirements and regulations specific to the industry in which they operate. As well as showing the likely result of neglecting to adhere to these regulations, the studies are designed to explain the costs that could be incurred and how maintenance could be both a solution and preventative measure.

The first Case Study to be featured on the new and improved website is a prestigious Park Lane Hotel, which saw approximately 1,500 people, including Black Eyed Peas singer Will-I-Am, evacuated from the 28-storey hotel after reports of smoke billowing from a second floor kitchen vent and the basement.

To check out the first Case Study visit http://www.breathevss.co.uk/case-studies

Ventilation maintenance can be a challenge within premises like schools and listed buildings

Schools - The Challenge of Multiple Environments

marcus lange March 28, 2013

Education establishments present particular challenges, and opportunities, to those working in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) field. Many have swimming pools, canteens, gym areas, changing rooms with shower facilities, libraries, large halls with the capacity to seat hundreds, and classrooms of assorted sizes. These each require expert understanding of ventilation hygiene legislation to match optimum solutions, from routine inspections of ductwork through to AHU remedial works, ensuring the health and well-being of the students and employees.

2013 named the Year of Air by the European Union

EU names 2013 as 'Year of Air'

marcus lange March 27, 2013

The HealthVent consortium recently met to discuss the harmonisation of health-based ventilation guidelines for Europe on February 20, 2013. At the event, which took place in the European Parliament, participants discussed the significance of ventilation guidelines for EU policies on health, air quality, energy, eco-design and buildings and consumers’ products.

Delivering a New Standard in Ventilation Cleanliness

marcus lange March 11, 2013

As part of the European Committee for Standardisation, or CEN, the introduction of a new British Standard for cleanliness levels in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) sector will help to reduce confusion within the industry.

The need for greater regulatory transparency in order to achieve cleaner and more efficient ventilation systems was formally recognised by the British Standards Institution (BSI) on 30 November 2011 in the new Standard – BS EN 15780

We've Launched our new website!

marcus lange February 4, 2013

Here at VSS Ltd, we’ve undergone a complete style transformation, having recently unveiled a new identity and refreshed website, which has been designed to give both new and existing clients a source of the latest industry news and information.

Featuring a handy FAQ and a blog up to date with all the latest news, the new website is designed with our clients in mind, offering all the information that they could ever need. Presented using clean lines and inspired by the work that we do, the new website is a refreshing change from the industry norm. Combined with regular newsletters and social feeds, we will continue to provide a premium service, not only through our contracts and projects, but also in all communication with our clients.

These changes mark the first step in part of a bigger rebrand, focusing on continued quality service while making changes to accommodate our growth over the last year, and the future plans for our business on a national scale.

Helping to grow the business, we have partnered with Very Tangy Media, who are helping us to implement the new changes and manage the reputation of the business.

So have a look for yourself, and if you need anything, dont be afraid to contact us and ask for help.

Change of Address

marcus lange November 22, 2012

Our South-East office has moved. Our new address is:

54 Windsor Drive
Hertford
Hertfordshire
SG14 2HX

See all our contact information here.

Local Exhaust Ventilation News

marcus lange November 20, 2012

HSE enforcement at woodworking premises for employers failing to control exposure to wood dust remains at a high level. A fencing manufacturer was recently prosecuted for not having local exhaust ventilation (LEV) thoroughly examined within the last 14 months. This was despite having being made to do so by an Improvement Notice in 2007. The system also had labels on it clearly stating when the next examination was due. At the hearing on 19th November, the two partners both pleaded guilty and fines and costs came to a total of £4214.10.

The HSE takes a strong line where there is exposure to wood dust as it can cause serious health problems. It can be a cause of asthma and carpenters and joiners are four times more likely to get it compared with other UK workers. Hardwood dust can also cause cancer, particularly of the nose.

Exposure to wood dust must be kept as far below the 5mg/m3 Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) as possible. The best means of achieving this is by having well designed and maintained LEV.

It is a legal requirement to have LEV systems examined by a competent person at least every 14 months to make sure that it is still working properly. Unfortunately, when HSE Inspectors go to woodworking premises they often find that the examination has not taken place.

In addition to the prosecution, so far this year there has been also a Prohibition Notice and 39 Improvement Notices issued to woodworking duty holders for failing to have their LEV system examined. Last year there were a total of 71 Improvement Notices issued for this.

George Friend elected as President of the EVHA

marcus lange November 20, 2012

George Friend was elected as the President of the European Ventilation Hygiene Association at the association’s recent annual general meeting in November. Tim Larson was elected as Vice President at the same time.

The association brings together a number of companies from across Europe who are seeking to improve and standardise ventilation hygiene practises. The next meeting for the association will be held in Finland in March where another training course for European Ventilation Hygiene Technicians will be held.

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